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The fetal phase of prenatal development lasts from nine weeks after fertilization to birth (usually at around 38 weeks).

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With the formation of all organ systems (though only in a rudimentary form) already behind it,

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the fetus now has two primary tasks during this final phase of prenatal development:

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a. Continued development of organ systems—each system must mature and eventually begin functioning in preparation for birth.

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b. Continued overall body growth—the overall size of the fetus will increase by twenty fold during these few months, as shown in this illustration.

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Arms and legs will grow dramatically, and before long, the head will no longer seem so disproportionate, compared with the rest of the body.

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During the fetal phase, overall size increases dramatically—from 1 gram (1/450th of a pound)

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and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) at 9 weeks to 3000 grams (7 pounds) and 50 centimeters (20 inches) at 38 weeks!